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Pasta Maker

ryantt
ryantt Posts: 2,558
edited December 2018 in EggHead Forum
So Norah Grace has been asking for a pasta maker for sometime and I honestly do not know which one to order for her.   They range in price greatly, but I have no idea what makes one better than another.  Any suggestions on who makes a good one?    I have read that the ones for her mixer aren’t that great.  

Thanks in advance for the assistance.  
This is the one my wife is thinking.  


XL BGE, KJ classic, Joe Jr, UDS x2 


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Comments

  • lkapigian
    lkapigian Posts: 11,549
    edited December 2018
    I have the Macato Ampia like the one above, about 30 years now , solid no issues ...you have to be able to clamp it and "can be" a 2 person operation towards the end when you are cutting.....your pasta dough is key....FWIW make you some pasta dough ( I prefer egg ) roll it out with a Pin fold and cut with a knife...makes killer pasta just the same
    Visalia, Ca @lkapigian
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  • Botch
    Botch Posts: 17,353
    What mixer does she have?  I gave up on my Atlas and went with the Kitchenaid attachment, haven't looked back.
    The Atlas worked okay, but as @Ikapigian mentioned, it requires three hands.  Also, the countertop clamp is (imnsho) very poorly designed, comes loose all the time, and didn't fit my countertop at first (had to mod it).  Finally, there's not a lot of clearance for the pasta to exit on the crank machines; with the Kitchenaid, you have about a foot and makes handling much easier.  

    “I'll have what she's having."  

        -Rob Reiner's mother!   

    Ogden, UT, USA

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  • ryantt
    ryantt Posts: 2,558
    edited December 2018
    @Botch She has a kitchenaid 7qt professional model.  
    XL BGE, KJ classic, Joe Jr, UDS x2 


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  • bgebrent
    bgebrent Posts: 19,636
    Get the kitchen aid pasta attachment set.  Works great.
    Sandy Springs & Dawsonville Ga
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  • lkapigian
    lkapigian Posts: 11,549
    @Botch, I would go for the KA Adaptor....
    Visalia, Ca @lkapigian
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  • Lit
    Lit Posts: 9,053
    I have one like the one you posted above and it works great. Got it at a garage sale in the box for $5. The dough is key and it’s way different than any other dough I have made before it’s very dry and has to be worked some.
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  • DoubleEgger
    DoubleEgger Posts: 19,164
    Another vote for the KA attachments. 
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  • NorthPilot06
    NorthPilot06 Posts: 1,179
    100% KA attachments.  I used to have a manual pasta maker and I struggled with the clamping mechanism for ages.  The KA attachments make it a 1-person job...wayyy too easy.
    DFW - 1 LGBE & Happy to Adopt More...
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  • NorthPilot06
    NorthPilot06 Posts: 1,179
    I have the genuine KA attachments (bought at BBB, but I think these are the same): https://www.amazon.com/KitchenAid-KSMPRA-3-Piece-Roller-Attachment/dp/B01DBGQR1K/ref=sr_1_5?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1544806163&sr=1-5&keywords=kitchenaid+pasta+attachment
    DFW - 1 LGBE & Happy to Adopt More...
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  • blasting
    blasting Posts: 6,262
    edited December 2018

    I've got the Atlas.  Pasta making is still oddly satisfying for me.

    For any of you with an Atlas style machine, check out this video starting at the 4 minute mark.  I'm trying his method next time.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZpIBAR_7NRY&t=84s


    Phoenix 
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  • Carolina Q
    Carolina Q Posts: 14,831
    I have a manual Imperia (like Atlas) that I got at Home Goods for about $30. I've only used it a few times, but it works fine. I knew it would see limited use so I didn't want to spend the money on the KA attachments. Mine makes 5 1/2" sheets and has two cutters for fettuccini and tagliatelle. Haven't tried it, but after watching Gennaro Contaldo make ravioli from sheets, it looks like that would be very easy too

    I hate it when I go to the kitchen for food and all I find are ingredients!                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

    Michael 
    Central Connecticut 

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  • epcotisbest
    epcotisbest Posts: 2,176
    Here is another vote for the KA attachment.
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  • SonVolt
    SonVolt Posts: 3,316
    Those manual pasta makers are cool to look at but a major pain in the ass to use. As others have said, go for the KA pasta attachment. 
    South of Nashville  -  BGE XL  -  Alfresco 42" ALXE  -  Alfresco Versa Burner  - Sunbeam Microwave 
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  • smokingal
    smokingal Posts: 1,025
    I can vouch for the Marcato.  I've never had an issue with handling it solo, but I did buy the motor accessory, so both my hands are free to manage the dough.
    It's "Smokin Gal", not "Smoking Al".
    Egging in the Atlanta GA region
    Large BGE, CGS setup, Kick Ash Basket, Smokeware SS Cap,
    Arteflame grill grate

    http://barbecueaddict.com
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  • Botch
    Botch Posts: 17,353
    smokingal said:
    I can vouch for the Marcato.  I've never had an issue with handling it solo, but I did buy the motor accessory, so both my hands are free to manage the dough.
    I looked long and hard at that motor (since I already had the machine) but, at the time, it was roughly the same cost as the KA atch; I'd still be struggling with the countertop clamp, plus it would then weigh a bunch more when it fell off and hit my foot!   =)

    “I'll have what she's having."  

        -Rob Reiner's mother!   

    Ogden, UT, USA

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  • WeberWho
    WeberWho Posts: 11,524
    Another vote Kitchenaid but I have no experience using it. If she doesn't end up using it very often and want's to sell down the road the Kitchenaid pasta attachment's will bring in good money if you were to resell. Like Lit mentions above, he bought a hand crank version for $5 at a garage sale. 

    For me personally the easier something is the more likely I'm going to pull it out of the cabinet and use it again. The Kitchenaid version might be the way to go in this scenario.
    "The pig is an amazing animal. You feed a pig an apple and it makes bacon. Let's see Michael Phelps do that" - Jim Gaffigan

    Minnesota
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  • smokingal
    smokingal Posts: 1,025
    Botch said:
    smokingal said:
    I can vouch for the Marcato.  I've never had an issue with handling it solo, but I did buy the motor accessory, so both my hands are free to manage the dough.
    I looked long and hard at that motor (since I already had the machine) but, at the time, it was roughly the same cost as the KA atch; I'd still be struggling with the countertop clamp, plus it would then weigh a bunch more when it fell off and hit my foot!   =)
    So this is what I purchased for 159.81 back in 2010.
    https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000679FZ8

    I no longer own the kitchen table that I had when I made the purchase which fit it perfectly.  I adjusted for the difference in table thickness when using my kitchen island by placing the pasta machine on a cutting board and then attaching the clamp.  The motor is not heavy.

    However, I don't have a KA mixer, so buying one and the pasta attachment was not a desirable option.
    It's "Smokin Gal", not "Smoking Al".
    Egging in the Atlanta GA region
    Large BGE, CGS setup, Kick Ash Basket, Smokeware SS Cap,
    Arteflame grill grate

    http://barbecueaddict.com
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  • ryantt
    ryantt Posts: 2,558
    Thanks everyone for the info.  I will look at the KA stuff again.  For some reason I thought America’s test kitchen said it lacked, but for the life of me I can’t remember why. 
    XL BGE, KJ classic, Joe Jr, UDS x2 


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  • fishlessman
    fishlessman Posts: 34,580
    ryantt said:
    Thanks everyone for the info.  I will look at the KA stuff again.  For some reason I thought America’s test kitchen said it lacked, but for the life of me I can’t remember why. 
    it depends which ka they tested, the smaller ones dont have the power. a 7 qt pro would be plenty big enough
    fukahwee maine

    you can lead a fish to water but you can not make him drink it
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  • DoubleEgger
    DoubleEgger Posts: 19,164
    ryantt said:
    Thanks everyone for the info.  I will look at the KA stuff again.  For some reason I thought America’s test kitchen said it lacked, but for the life of me I can’t remember why. 
    Probably because they didn’t get a kick back. You know how “reviews” are...
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  • NorthPilot06
    NorthPilot06 Posts: 1,179
    DoubleEgger said:
    ryantt said:
    Thanks everyone for the info.  I will look at the KA stuff again.  For some reason I thought America’s test kitchen said it lacked, but for the life of me I can’t remember why. 
    Probably because they didn’t get a kick back. You know how “reviews” are...
    If it lacks, then let me tell you how much a hand crank, counter-mounted model lacks :)  Agree with @DoubleEgger above, some reviews have a small bias...
    DFW - 1 LGBE & Happy to Adopt More...
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  • ryantt
    ryantt Posts: 2,558
    @fishlessman that makes sense.  I’ll have to find the review and video again.   
    XL BGE, KJ classic, Joe Jr, UDS x2 


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  • DoubleEgger
    DoubleEgger Posts: 19,164
    NorthPilot06 said:
    DoubleEgger said:
    ryantt said:
    Thanks everyone for the info.  I will look at the KA stuff again.  For some reason I thought America’s test kitchen said it lacked, but for the life of me I can’t remember why. 
    Probably because they didn’t get a kick back. You know how “reviews” are...
    If it lacks, then let me tell you how much a hand crank, counter-mounted model lacks :)  Agree with @DoubleEgger above, some reviews have a small bias...
    In 1996, Consumer Reports said Old Milwaukee was the best beer in America. Since then, I always look at reviews with a skeptic's eye. 
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  • HeavyG
    HeavyG Posts: 10,380
    DoubleEgger said:
    NorthPilot06 said:
    DoubleEgger said:
    ryantt said:
    Thanks everyone for the info.  I will look at the KA stuff again.  For some reason I thought America’s test kitchen said it lacked, but for the life of me I can’t remember why. 
    Probably because they didn’t get a kick back. You know how “reviews” are...
    If it lacks, then let me tell you how much a hand crank, counter-mounted model lacks :)  Agree with @DoubleEgger above, some reviews have a small bias...
    In 1996, Consumer Reports said Old Milwaukee was the best beer in America. Since then, I always look at reviews with a skeptic's eye. 
    If I remember correctly they said it won the best "mass market beer" category, not best beer in the US.
    Didn't they also say that Spam was the winner of the best "canned meat" category? I seem to recall the outrage that set off among the Vienna sausage crowd.
    “Reality is that which, when you stop believing in it, doesn't go away.” ― Philip K. Diçk




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  • ryantt
    ryantt Posts: 2,558
    Well after review, they said the ravioli attachment  is no good.  The other attachments were well received.  So it is now on order for Christmas for Chef Norah Grace.   
    Post surgery I’m only catching about half of what I listen to or read.  So it no wonder I was wrong.  
    XL BGE, KJ classic, Joe Jr, UDS x2 


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  • bgebrent
    bgebrent Posts: 19,636
    Check this resource out.  Homemade pasta is unmatched.


    Sandy Springs & Dawsonville Ga
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  • ryantt
    ryantt Posts: 2,558
    @bgebrent ordered.  Thank you for the recommendation she’s going to love it.  
    XL BGE, KJ classic, Joe Jr, UDS x2 


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  • DoubleEgger
    DoubleEgger Posts: 19,164
    HeavyG said:
    DoubleEgger said:
    NorthPilot06 said:
    DoubleEgger said:
    ryantt said:
    Thanks everyone for the info.  I will look at the KA stuff again.  For some reason I thought America’s test kitchen said it lacked, but for the life of me I can’t remember why. 
    Probably because they didn’t get a kick back. You know how “reviews” are...
    If it lacks, then let me tell you how much a hand crank, counter-mounted model lacks :)  Agree with @DoubleEgger above, some reviews have a small bias...
    In 1996, Consumer Reports said Old Milwaukee was the best beer in America. Since then, I always look at reviews with a skeptic's eye. 
    If I remember correctly they said it won the best "mass market beer" category, not best beer in the US.
    Didn't they also say that Spam was the winner of the best "canned meat" category? I seem to recall the outrage that set off among the Vienna sausage crowd.
    I believe you are correct. Still very high on my BS meter. 
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  • blasting
    blasting Posts: 6,262
    bgebrent said:

    Homemade pasta is unmatched.


    @bgebrent  Agree  ^^ 100%.  No comparison.  I'll check out the book, thanks.

    @ryantt Don't forget a drying rack, or you'll be using coat hangers.



    Phoenix 
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  • bgebrent
    bgebrent Posts: 19,636
    blasting said:
    bgebrent said:

    Homemade pasta is unmatched.


    @bgebrent  Agree  ^^ 100%.  No comparison.  I'll check out the book, thanks.

    @ryantt Don't forget a drying rack, or you'll be using coat hangers.



    Drying rack is important and the above is SOA.  Have fun.
    Sandy Springs & Dawsonville Ga
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